Environmental Science Transfer Option, Environmental Science, A.S.

CONTACT

Laurel Carpenter, 413.552.2263, lcarpenter@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Environmental Science and Technology Transfer Option is focused on providing a strong foundation in environmental science and equipping the student for an efficient transfer to a 4-year institution by fulfilling the Massachusetts statewide transfer policy known as MassTransfer. Graduates of the program are trained in a wide spectrum of sophisticated technical procedures used in the laboratory and in the field. They are exposed to a broad knowledge base in air quality, surface water and ground water quality, hazardous waste technologies, and computer applications like geographic information systems (GIS). As a result, such individuals are highly organized and have strong comprehension and communication skills. Through this expansive knowledge base, graduates are astute problem solvers, which is an essential element in the assessment and protection of the environment.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

understand the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of air, water, and land pollution and be able to describe human roles in producing those pollution types
describe how environmental systems and human systems function
describe local, national, and international case studies of environmental pollution and be able to describe aspects of environmental justice and ethics surroundings those studies
organize, present, and write environmental science topics using scientific formatting that would be expected from a career professional
use computer technology, field, and laboratory equipment to conduct physical, chemical, and biological environmental analyses
understand the importance of accurate data collection, recording, and analysis
use knowledge of scientific methods to interpret and think critically about scientific reports, news, or other media

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 20 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
ENG 102(A) - Composition II Credit(s): 3
POL 120(B) - State and Local Government Credit(s): 3
SOC 110(B) - Introduction to Sociology Credit(s): 3
CHM 121(E) - Chemistry for Science and Engineering Students I Credit(s): 4
CHM 124(E) - Chemistry for Science and Engineering Students II Credit(s): 4

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 39-41 CREDITS

ENV 115 - Environmental Seminar Credit(s): 1
ENV 120(E) - Introduction to Environmental Science Credit(s): 4
ENV 125 - Mapping with Geographic Information Systems Credit(s): 3
ENV 137(E) - Environmental Geology Credit(s): 4
ENV 138(E) - Soil and the Environment Credit(s): 4
ENV 140(E) - People and the Environment Credit(s): 4
ENV 230 - Principles of Environmental Site Assessment Credit(s): 3
ENV 253(E) - Aquatic Ecology and Pollution Credit(s): 4
HIS 111(C) - History of the United States I Credit(s): 3
HIS 225(C) - American Environmental History Credit(s): 3
Mathematics Elective (D) Credit(s): 3-4¹
Mathematics Elective (D) Credit(s): 3-4¹

PROGRAM ELECTIVES: 6-8 CREDITS

Program Elective Credit(s): 3-4²
Program Elective Credit(s): 3-4²

TOTAL: 65-69 CREDITS

NOTES

¹Student planning to transfer to UMASS Amherst should either complete the mathematics sequence of MTH 113 -MTH 114 or fulfill the prerequisites for MTH 113 -MTH 114 prior to transfer. These students are also recommended to complete the BIO 107 -BIO 108 sequence prior to transferring. Students planning to transfer to Westfield State University are recommended to take MTH 142 and one additional 100-level mathematics course.

²Select any course from the following designations: BIO, CHM, EGR, ENV, ESC, MTH, PHS, SEM, SUS.

Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all ENV prefix courses in order to graduate from this degree option. Course may be repeated to obtain a grade of “C” or better.

This program qualifies for the MassTransfer STEM block, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state colleges and universities. MassTransfer grants students automatic acceptance to certain Massachusetts state colleges and universities by achieving the minimum grade point average and the HCC degree. Students who enroll in programs with the 28-credit MassTransfer STEM block will need to complete the associate’s degree in order to waive the general education requirements at a Massachusetts State University. In addition to the completion of the associate’s degree and the STEM block at HCC, students will need to complete an additional 12 credits in general education at the four-year college. If a student does not complete the associate’s degree prior to transferring, it is recommended that they complete the 34-credit MassTransfer block. Students should meet with Mark Broadbent, Coordinator of Transfer Affairs, to discuss their transfer plans.

Depending on course selection, 50% of this program can be completed online. Go to Online Learning for more information.

(M031)